ELIGIBILITY
Q: I previously received a Mutual Mentoring Micro grant, can I apply again this year?
A: You can apply again for a MM Micro grant. However, priority will be given to individuals who previously have not received a grant. You also may apply as a member of a Team Grant application.
Q: Can I apply as both a member of a Team Grant Mentoring Application and also apply as an individual for a Micro Grant?
A: You may apply as part of a Team grant application and also submit a Micro individual grant application during the same round. However, given that the Mutual Mentoring Program is highly competitive, the review committee will consider equity of distribution of resources among faculty applicants.
Q: Is mutual mentoring grant support available to Full Professors? Lecturers? Librarians?
A: Full-time tenure track faculty, full-time non-tenure track faculty on continuing appointments, and full-time librarians on continuing appointments are eligible for the MM grant program.
Q: Can non-continuous appointment faculty apply for a grant or be a part of a team?
A: Non-tenure track faculty without a continuous appointment are not eligible for micro-grants. They can partner with tenure-track or non-tenure track faculty with continuing appointments as a mentoring partner or as a core team member if the team already has four faculty who are in the tenure track or have continuing appointments.
Q: Can our team apply for both an ADVANCE and an OFD Mutual Mentoring Team Grant?
A: Yes. Your team may submit to both ADVANCE and OFD's programs, if your application fits the criteria. Please indicate that in your application form. ADVANCE and OFD have a collaborative review process for applications submitted to both programs. Successful teams will only receive one award.
Q: What is the distinction between the core team members and mentoring partners?
A: The Core Team is comprised of UMass Amherst faculty who are invested in the mutual mentoring project, have participated in its development, and will engage throughout the project year in its administration. Eligible core team members are full-time tenure track faculty, full-time non-tenure track faculty on continuing appointments, and full-time librarians on continuing appointments. The core team is comprised of four or more faculty and may include a mix of types and ranks of faculty, as long as the majority of the individuals on the core team meet the eligibility criteria. Mentoring partners do not play as key a role in the implementation of the project. They also can be faculty from other institutions.
PROPOSAL FORMAT
Q: Do you have any particular requirements regarding the format of the proposal?
A: Please answer each of the questions provided within the word count limit. Questions are provided in the online application form.
PROPOSAL CRITERIA
Q: Is it okay to not know the exact person we're looking to consult with as a mentor, when constructing the budget?
A: Your application does not need to include a mentor's confirmation that they will participate in the project. It is, however, important to demonstrate in your proposal that you have clear mentoring objectives and plans for addressing those areas. You may include potential mentors who you believe would participate in your project.
Q: Can my application focus on " ... " ?
A: If you are wondering whether your idea is suitable for a Mutual Mentoring grant application: first, review the guidelines, look at past examples, and consider the MM priority areas to see if your project fits within these parameters. Also, OFD welcomes your questions, so feel free to contact us.
BUDGET
Q: What can I ask for in the budget? What expenses are okay?
A: All expenses must follow the guidelines of the UMass Amherst Business Expense Policy (e.g. UMass only allows non-travel reimbursement as an exception, does not allow paying for faculty time, etc.) It is wise to review your budget with your department's bookkeeper in advance of submission. Also, MM grants do not fund student research assistants. However, MM awards have provided funding for student hours when assisting a team with administering the MM project (such as scheduling meetings).
Q: Can emeritus faculty be solicited for consultation services or be part of my mentoring network?
A: Yes, emeritus faculty members can be included as a mentoring partner, but only be compensated for their participation if they have not been at UMass Amherst for over a year.